and after leaving and coming back, i-- so much had grown here in the twin cities and in st. paul in terms of dance and the community and the dancers, but there was something that did not change which was dancers of color. >> reporter: tu dance works closely with local schools to create opportunities for young dancers of color. high schoolers who are invited- like 17-year-old dominick dates- face a mixture of grueling practice and tolerance, technical proficiency and individuality. >> they teach you what they want you to do but you do it how you want to do it. you can make whatever they teach you yours. yeah, your own flavor. >> reporter: students like mimi >> i've only been dancing for two years and people here have i come to tu and i'm like, "oh wow, she has curves like me." somebody in the company, she has a curve, i have a curve and their skin is like mine. and i really understand if they can make it, there's no excuse for me. >> the idea is that as performers, as artists, as students that we are representing our audience, our community, the people, the watchers, and my g